Podcast #66 - Becoming a Photographer's assistant

[Ray]

How about a podcast on the best way to get a position as a photographer's assistant?

[Marko]

Hey there Ray!

hmmm...interesting topic. I think we could answer that for you in this thread though.

First off figure out what type of photography u want to do. Then we can help guide you.

So what type of photography are you interested in, in terms of being an assistant and please be very specific. Most photographers specialize.

Thx - Marko

[Ray]

I'm not 100% sure what I would like to specialize in but I think assisting for a talented wedding photographer would be a good place to start. They shoot in a wide variety of situations, they set up lights and shoot formal portraits and they also shoot available light with a more journalistic style. The constant change in location would be good experience and it would also be good to see how the business works. If I ended up wanting to do something that did not relate directly to wedding photography I think this kind of experience would still be beneficial. I know there are types of photography that do not relate at all like product, food and landscape but I'm not thinking about going in any of those directions.

I have responded to many ads and have had no luck. Maybe a paid apprenticeship would be a better way to go.

[Marko]

This will be the next podcast. It was recorded yesterday and should be released tomorrow.

Thanks!

[Marko]

Thanks for the suggestion Ray! This podcast is now live here. I hope it helps.
http://www.photography.ca/blog/?p=363
Best!
Marko